MagicMirror is an open-source platform that provides a web-based user interface (UI). This article will walk you through how to customize your MagicMirror UI for a dynamic and personalized experience.
Understanding MagicMirror UI
Essentially MagicMirror is an intuitive platform that uses a modular concept, making it easy for users to contribute, use, and customize. Each MagicMirror interface consists of one default screen with multiple modules built around it, providing different types of information like local weather, news, calendar events, etc.
Starting with Basics: Configuring MagicMirror UI
Customizing the MagicMirror UI begins with editing the config.js file. This file is the heart of your MagicMirror interface where you can change settings and organize your modules. You’ll find it in the MagicMirror/config directory. Each module has various parameters you can adjust, such as position, header, and config.
Keep a backup of the original config.js before editing. Use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Atom, Visual Studio Code, or Sublime Text, which provide explicit syntax highlighting and make it easier to avoid and spot any coding errors.
UI Structure: Positions of Modules
The user interface of MagicMirror divides into regions: top, upper third, middle third, lower third, bottom, top left, top center, top right, upper third left, upper third center, upper third right, middle third left, middle third center, middle third right, lower third left, lower third center, lower third right, bottom left, bottom center, bottom right.
Each module should have a setup within the config.js file, specifying its position. For instance, you can define ‘top_right’ position for a clock module, ‘bottom_right’ for the calendar module, etc.
How to Use Different Modules
You have full control over the modules displayed on your interface. MagicMirror-original modules include Alert, Clock, Calendar, Weather, Newsfeed, and so forth. To use a specific module, you need to define it in the config.js file. In addition, specific modules might require an API key, a unique identifier necessary to connect to the provider’s service.
There are also numerous third-party modules you can use to customize your MagicMirror. Some popular ones include MMM-Face-Reco-DNN for facial recognition, MMM-GoogleMapsTraffic to view traffic data, and MMM-MovieListings to get current movie showings.
Changing the Look and Feel
To further personalize the MagicMirror UI, consider modifying its overall aesthetics. You can enhance the custom.css file in the css directory for altering the look and feel, including fonts, colors, sizes, and so forth. Both original and third-party modules come with predefined classes you can use to edit with CSS.
For example, to change the font color of all modules’ headers to blue, you would input:
.header {
color: blue;
}Enhancing Functionality with APIs
To make your MagicMirror more dynamic, incorporate APIs into the various modules for real-time data. Many MagicMirror modules rely on APIs to fetch data from different services. For instance, to show local weather, you’d need to create an OpenWeatherMap account, generate an API, and put it into your weather module configuration.
Always make sure to follow guidelines provided by these APIs for usage and security purposes.
Routine Testing for Completeness
Lastly, testing is crucial. Anytime you make changes to your MagicMirror UI, test it to ensure it’s working as anticipated. An error in one module can potentially stop other modules from loading. Hence, a thorough dedicated test for each configuration change is highly recommended.
After making your edits, run your MagicMirror to make sure the configuration settings are accurate. If the Mirror loads without issues, your changes have been successfully implemented.
In conclusion, customizing your MagicMirror UI involves understanding its structure, knowing how to use and configure modules, and editing the CSS for an individualized look. Also, integrating and managing APIs can enhance the mirror’s functionality, while routine testing ensures all changes work well. By experimenting and learning, you can create a MagicMirror UI that’s truly personalized.
